China in the African Ports : A String of Pearls in the Making?

Abstract: The Asian Dragon is challenging the economic hegemony of the United States but at the same time depends on energy imports to sustain its economic growth. Most of China's Oil comes from the Middle East and Africa, and the supply passes through the Indian Ocean and the Malacca Strait, a critical choke point. Western literature has extended the idea of String of Pearls -denied by China-, consisting in a number of ports strategically controlled by China along the energy Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC). China considers economic development -thus, energetic security- a core issue for the Chinese nation. The thesis supports the idea that China is enhancing its presence in the African ports, and that partially meets the String of Pearls strategy main points. The thesis is divided in two parts, first, in What is the actual Chinese pattern in the African littoral; and second, see if this strategy fits in the String of Pearls model. A number of ports are examined and a pattern of action is defined objectively; afterwards this pattern is situated into the String of Pearls context and analysed through a Structural Realist lens. Though the balance of power between China and the US is a global issue, this thesis is focused only on what concerns the Chinese strategy directly related to the listed African ports. The thesis conclusions claim that China is following a stable pattern towards the African ports and meeting some of the String of Pearls strategy points.